It’s wonderful to see that someone has written and illustrated a picture book telling the inspirational story of Julia Butterfly-Hill for younger chi It’s wonderful to see that someone has written and illustrated a picture book telling the inspirational story of Julia Butterfly-Hill for younger children. The story of a young woman who stayed in a redwood tree (Luna) in order to save it from being logged. She was supported by an environment group, and only volunteered to stay for a few weeks. But that turned into two years when finally an agreement was made to save the tree. The mixed media illustrations are wonderful. ...more

The story of the construction of the first White House unfolds with Floyd Cooper's beautiful paintings of the working men, mostly slaves, who built i The story of the construction of the first White House unfolds with Floyd Cooper's beautiful paintings of the working men, mostly slaves, who built it. At first, free men worked, but it was soon found that more were needed, so slave owners were asked to send their slaves. Sadly, even in the backbreaking work, the slaves earned nothing because the wages were paid to the owners. One good thing happened, however. As the slaves built alongside craftsmen, they learned the skills, which eventually, as 'skilled hands' earned them money. That money was saved to buy their freedom. Charles Smith's poetic text mirrors the day by day activity, relentless, on and on. "Nameless, faceless/daughters and sons/build brick by brick/until each day is done." Finally the house was built, far out into the country although we now know it as central to the city Sadly, the beautiful building was burned during the War of 1812, but now rebuilt, as the author says, stands as a reminder of the contribution made by slaves who worked toward freedom "brick by brick"....more

In lovely pen and ink and watercolor, Rebecca Bond tells a story handed down from her grandfather, who lived in Ontario deep in the woods in a hotel tIn lovely pen and ink and watercolor, Rebecca Bond tells a story handed down from her grandfather, who lived in Ontario deep in the woods in a hotel that his mother ran. He made friends with those who stayed at the hotel, the workers and those woodsmen and lumberjacks wo worked in the woods and stayed on the top floor of the hotel. Most of all when he walked through the forest, he wished he would see the animals living there. He never did until one day, a terrible fire struck the forest, and to survive, the people waded into the lake. And then, with amazement, they watched the animals, enemies side by side, wade in too. It's a wonderful story to read, making me wish to see this phenomenon myself, but Bond's pictures help the story come to life....more

A personal story of a young girl traveling with her father to cross the border. She doesn't know where they're going, but counts animals, people, clouA personal story of a young girl traveling with her father to cross the border. She doesn't know where they're going, but counts animals, people, clouds along the way. It is a long journey, showing the danger of the crossing, in a boat, on top of a train, running away from soldiers. It's hard to see how Buitrago does it, but in the story, these two, even drawn among many, seem so isolated as they go. In this time of many migrants traveling to they believe are better places, the book will make a good beginning to studying the huge issues facing the people leaving their own homes, and of those receiving them. Yockteng's illustrations show much detail of the travelers and adds a coyote on nearly every page. (The coyote is the name given those who help people cross for large fees, but sometimes betray their passengers)....more

It's the time of year for traditions, and while this is a "needed" one, tradition it is from the country of Korea. Lighting a fire on the highest peakIt's the time of year for traditions, and while this is a "needed" one, tradition it is from the country of Korea. Lighting a fire on the highest peak is what Sang-hee's father does each night, proclaiming that all is well in his village by the sea. When the next mountain's fire keeper sees that fire, he lights his own, on mountains until the king sees the final fire and knows no enemy is coming to attack. Linda Sue Park has fictionalized the history by telling of a young boy who must go to his father's aid because his father fell on the way to making the fire. Full color pages make the story come to life in this story of responsibility and pride. Children might be interested in the extra back matter Park shares. She could not find the date for the beginning, but did write that the fires were still being lit in the late nineteenth century....more

Little Buckley, a beaver, and his mama live by the sea. Buckley loves the sea, and finds many wonderful things on the beach. He makes boats from the dLittle Buckley, a beaver, and his mama live by the sea. Buckley loves the sea, and finds many wonderful things on the beach. He makes boats from the driftwood, and decides to send a boat with a note to Papa because he misses him so much. Softly telling this sweet story in watercolors, Jessixa Bagley tells this story as time passes, and Buckley receives a set of paints to make his boats even better. There is a surprise at the end, and I imagine children will wonder about it, and about Papa. It's a story of love and loss both from the mother and the son....more

Here are amazing transformations from those ‘things’ lost like a set of keys, an umbrella or dad’s bag on the subway to eye-popping double-page paperHere are amazing transformations from those ‘things’ lost like a set of keys, an umbrella or dad’s bag on the subway to eye-popping double-page paper sculptures of what “can be”. The brief text describing “what” is lost and where it was last seen amuses and tells quite a lot considering the few words used. For example, “Object: Binoculars Last Seen: Backyard--meteor shower.” It can be used as a mentor text for an art project or for a project showing change. Love book to read and see....more

It’s a very crowded pool, so too shy children decide to do something different, dive deeply to see what’s under all those legs and arms and bodies. W It’s a very crowded pool, so too shy children decide to do something different, dive deeply to see what’s under all those legs and arms and bodies. With a watery background, interesting fish appear, sometimes cute, sometimes chasing other fish, sometimes so big they’re scary. The ending of the adventure is pleasing with shy smiles, and perhaps a new adventure coming? I read this together with my four year old granddaughter, who does love books, but talked through it, pointed out unusual details of the fish, and thought it might be a little old for her. Perhaps in some part it was, but later when I was busy doing something else, I noticed that she pulled the book back out of the stack, and took a long time “reading” the pages again. She was mesmerized....more

From her childhood in China with the law restricting families to only one child, Guojing, an illustrator from China, imagines an amazing story from onFrom her childhood in China with the law restricting families to only one child, Guojing, an illustrator from China, imagines an amazing story from one time when she was lost as a young child. This little and lonely girl, suddenly lost, follows a mysterious stag and ends up in friendship with it and other sweet creatures on a journey of love and wonder. The mysteries of the imagination of a child are shown with awesome beauty. They make you want to look again and again....more

What a lovely story of different families who live in the same apartment house, but rarely see each other, each having unique personalities: one worr What a lovely story of different families who live in the same apartment house, but rarely see each other, each having unique personalities: one worried about the money spent on Christmas, another about burglaries, one wondering what gifts to buy for seven nephews. Young José tells the story, and begins with his mother, homesick for her beloved Puerto Rico, groaning about the smallness of the apartment, and the wonderful Christmas roast won’t fit in the oven. His Papi says they can take it to be cooked at the near pizza place, and so they do. The magic that happens, even José about to pluck the stars, and the gorgeous, colorful and happy illustrations makes one smile and smile. It turns out that the community celebrates together, and the apartment is not too small....more

It is interesting to read this book about Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton considering the past months of political fighting going in the US today. IIt is interesting to read this book about Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton considering the past months of political fighting going in the US today. I knew little about the controversy between Burr and Hamilton, but Dan Brown has written the basic story from birth till Hamilton's tragic death, and shows the passing events through the years with his vibrant watercolor illustrations. Both were patriots and both added to our country's beginnings with positive acts. However both seemed unable to compromise their feelings about each other, which ended in tragedy. For students studying various aspects of the Revolutionary War, this may spark an interest in further research. Brown has added a page of additional information at the back....more

It’s an inspiring book for those interested in women’s restrictions in the past, the early beginnings of computing, and how people who work hard to soIt’s an inspiring book for those interested in women’s restrictions in the past, the early beginnings of computing, and how people who work hard to solve problems when passionate about them. Ada Lovelace was a daughter of Lord Byron, but estranged from him early in life. Her mother loved mathematics, and supported Ada’s interest in pursuing learning math. Eventually, Ada was introduced to the well-known mathematician, Charles Babbage, becoming a life-long friend. His analytical machine was a wonder to her, but unfortunately he never built it. Ada worked to create a program that would solve difficult problems in mathematics, and designed an algorithm that was a plan. This was all on paper, but years later, computer scientists tested Ada’s software, and found it worked, with only one tiny error. So far ahead in her thinking, and despite the times in which she lived, it’s wonderful that Ada’s work is still available today. There is detailed back matter adding to the story, and Chu’s illustrations fill each page of text with extended detail both of the historical times, and Ada’s excitement for mathematics....more

Taking a young boy and girl on a journey from being thirsty and having a “cup” of water, because “water is water unless . . . it heats up.” And then iTaking a young boy and girl on a journey from being thirsty and having a “cup” of water, because “water is water unless . . . it heats up.” And then it becomes “steam, unless . . . it cools high.” Is it a “dragon in a wagon?” And Miranda Paul moves the reader on to clouds. The pictures show the children at play everywhere, and all the way through the seasons, until it’s a hot summer day needing a drink, of apple cider! You’ll need to read the book to find the connection between water and apple cider. It’s clever, has an expanded glossary explaining terms, and pages with additional interesting information. ...more

I loved reading all the details of how engineer and inventor George Ferris persuaded the 1893 World’s Fair Committee that he could build this amazing I loved reading all the details of how engineer and inventor George Ferris persuaded the 1893 World’s Fair Committee that he could build this amazing thing that no one had ever built. And he would make it the tallest, and he would make it safe. Just imagine, for those who had not climbed a mountain, there was no way to get a view from very high except from a building. At that time there weren’t many what we now call skyscrapers. Many, many people and parts were gathered to get this accomplished. Great story, told well in the text and in the gorgeous illustrations filled with views of the fair, the look of the buildings and the people, and of course, many pictures of the wheel....more

Loren Long’s simple illustrations as the seasons move from summer to fall to winter, and on to spring, and Little Tree hangs on to his leaves. One ca Loren Long’s simple illustrations as the seasons move from summer to fall to winter, and on to spring, and Little Tree hangs on to his leaves. One can imagine some child hanging on to childhood, from young to older. I’d love to have read this to my middle school aged students, wondering if some would admit they would still love to hang on to their toys just a bit longer. Or for the younger children, imagining a tree not understanding that trees might just want to keep those leaves, connecting to the feelings of some kind of loss. It’s a simple and beautiful story....more

I can see why others might speak of this story as a little slow. There is a build up to the end, but really no exciting crisis requiring action, excepI can see why others might speak of this story as a little slow. There is a build up to the end, but really no exciting crisis requiring action, except in the hearts of the boy, Aref and his grandfather, Sidi. Aref lives in Muscat, Oman, on the edge of the Arabian Peninsula and is moving to Michigan in the United States with his parents who will be spending the next three years studying for their doctorates. And Aref, about ten, has to leave his home, his room, his cat, Mish-Mish (meaning ‘apricot’), his school, his city. He doesn’t want to. The biggest thing of course that he will miss is his grandfather. The book shows the days before departure as Aref and Sidi spend time together on little adventures, like driving out into the desert to the Night of a Thousand Stars camp, and visiting the beach where sea turtles lay their eggs. Nye sets the tone of learning with Aref explaining that the goal in their family is to learn something new every day, and woven in between the other experiences, the book shows handwritten notes of what was learned that day, like about turtles, Martin Luther King, and possible birds to see on their camping trip. A second thread holding the story is that within each time together, Sidi finds one special rock, explaining why it will help him remember that time. The culture is woven into the story also as Aref says his goodbyes to the traditions in his city, like the calls to prayer. It’s a nostalgic time of goodbye, with Aref resisting filling his “one” suitcase no matter how many times his mother asks, and with Sidi breaking down only once, on their final night together. The book might be challenging for young children to enjoy if they are looking for great adventure. Yet for some who have moved and had to say goodbye to a beloved home, this might be a good one. And it will also please adults who’ve had to say goodbye to a beloved grandchild who moved away, as I have. Naomi Nye’s writing is pure poetry, no surprise. There is a wonderful passage about home that I will share a little part: “What makes a home, a home?” and “Or maybe it was how the beach air smelled--salty and sweet in whirls. You didn’t have to do anything to feel comfortable here. You just walked inside, took a long breath and thought--Yes. Sure. Here I am.”...more

Basic information shares that this book is for children 3-7, but I disagree. It seems to be an artistic little story that gives some of the informati Basic information shares that this book is for children 3-7, but I disagree. It seems to be an artistic little story that gives some of the information about those few who finally collaborated and created the design for the Golden Gate Bridge, and then a little know and shy person who thought it should remain the orange color that really was that used to protect the metal as an undercoat. With few words, and cut out shapes telling the story, it was interesting, and to me, it’s for older children or adults who will be inspired to discover more. The art, too, would be terrific to be a mentor for creating one’s own story. It is simple and effective....more

Like the other books by Muth with Stillwater, there are wise stories and gorgeous pictures. This time Stillwater, Leo and Molly all bring something toLike the other books by Muth with Stillwater, there are wise stories and gorgeous pictures. This time Stillwater, Leo and Molly all bring something to share with each other. Patience and kindness, no bad guys and taking one step, then another, to solve a problem fills this book. The books are wonderful to read aloud and talk through with others. Perhaps those ‘others’ will bring more to the book than one can if reading alone. I imagine good conversations....more

Miss Hazeltine welcomed all those cats who needed extra lessons in being brave, and she taught them. There are lessons in pouncing, how to hold tailsMiss Hazeltine welcomed all those cats who needed extra lessons in being brave, and she taught them. There are lessons in pouncing, how to hold tails high, and as the story reads, “How Not to Fear the Broom.” One of the cats, whose name was Crumb, is the most frightened of anything, even misses her food once in a while. One time more and more cats arrive, so many that Miss Hazeltine is soon out of milk. She leaves Crumb, who was watching Miss H. as usual, and told her that she's return soon. Well, she doesn't, and that's when someone must step in the save the day. If you haven't read it, you'll need to in order to see that sometimes we do what we must for someone, in spite of how hard it is. I loved the illustrations, shadowy or bright in just the right places. ...more

It all started, at least this story, in Ithaca, New York, where eventually one in ten citizens and Cornell University students were struck by typhoid It all started, at least this story, in Ithaca, New York, where eventually one in ten citizens and Cornell University students were struck by typhoid fever. Many died, and if it wasn’t for George Soper, a sanitary engineer who managed the recovery of Galveston, Texas after that terrible hurricane that destroyed that city, it might not have slowed as much as it did, eventually. I learned so much in this story of the search and eventual discovery of Typhoid Mary, real name Mary Mallon. In the early 1900’s, people in our country were badly in need of sanitation education. The sewage was draining into the waterways, outhouses were built at the edges of those same waterways, no one cleaned up the garbage. I imagine all of us have read of these times before. The awful statistics: a third of slum children never lived to age five. Each week in the summer, 1,500 of the city’s babies died, many from dysentery caused by drinking contaminated milk and water. Another name who fought for change was a young woman doctor, hired as a health inspector by the city of New York, Josephine Baker.

Gail Jarrow weaves the story of Typhoid Mary in and out of the fight for cleaner living conditions mostly in the east, but all the rest of the U.S. followed that lead. Health Department began making changes, acquired some strength to require people to clean up. There are pictures of the key people/scientists, pictures of posters and quarantine signs, and newspaper headlines. I enjoyed the book very much, learned why Typhoid Mary was first a mystery. She was discovered to be a healthy carrier, something not known to be possible before. She never believed that she was a carrier. Her story and the long story of typhoid fever is explained. Did you know that there are still outbreaks today, here in the U.S. too? And those outbreaks come from the same conditions found in the U.S. so long ago, only this time they are in third world countries, with carriers not washing hands before preparing food, thus contaminating the food. “As many as 2.5 billion people worldwide live without basic sanitation, with a billion of them routinely defecating on open ground. Nearly 800 million have not access to clean water.” Thus they wash their hands less often, or in unclean water. The book is not only history of a time gone by, but one that everyone should know today. There is a timeline, extensive bibliography, several pages showing famous people who were struck by typhoid, some who died, and a glossary....more

This might be one of the most alarming fables I’ve read that is meant for the middle grades. Oppel takes a lot of pages, scary pages, to show that be This might be one of the most alarming fables I’ve read that is meant for the middle grades. Oppel takes a lot of pages, scary pages, to show that being perfect is not a life’s goal, although many strive toward it for themselves and their children. There are a few different parts that keeps one guessing who to fear. Is it the strange ‘wasp/fairy’ or the man who drives the streets as a knife sharpener? Steve, the oldest child, tells this story of his family in crisis because their new baby is not thriving, and doctors don’t know why. Taking on the worries, but not telling he is, Steve begins the dreams, which at first aren’t bad, but soothing. Oppel’s way of writing kept me interested early because I imagined that the boy’s dreams that included talking to a wasp, and the consequent turn of who the wasp was indicated the boy needed help. Scenes of a little sister who receives real phone calls on her toy phone, and the parents becoming increasingly worried about the baby, leaving Steve to solve his own problems added tension to this already tense story. When the story emerged as more and more realistic, I wondered about the long ago fables when fairies stole babies, sometimes for fun, but often to teach a lesson. I know this doesn’t appear realistic, but the theme of a dark message in literature to be careful what one wishes for is clearly shown by Oppel. For a mature reader, billed for middle grades, and enhanced by Jon Klassen’s eerie illustrations....more

It gives me shivers when a book comes along at just the right time, and this book, lying on my shelf for weeks, suddenly became one I wanted to read.It gives me shivers when a book comes along at just the right time, and this book, lying on my shelf for weeks, suddenly became one I wanted to read. It’s a made-up story, based on history of the Hanukah, then Christmas in New York City, 1938. Richard Simon also connects one of his grandfather’s stories to it, a choice of staying in America during this time, or returning to Lithuania. Oskar’s family felt blessed, and the story begins, “until the Night of Broken Glass”. He was put on a ship to America with nothing but an address and a photo of a woman he didn’t know, his Aunt Esther. His father’s last words were “Even in bad times, people can be good. You have to look for the blessings.” When he arrived, it was the last night of Hanukah and Christmas Eve. Oskar needed to walk 100 blocks to reach his aunt’s home, all the way down Broadway! There is a marvelous map showing his route, and how the story makes Oskar connect to those “blessings” along the way. He begins with Trinity Church, seeing an old woman feeding bread to the pigeons. She offers a part of a roll so he can, too, but notices that he eats it himself. From her pocket, she gives him a small loaf of bread, energy so he can make the long journey. Oskar moves along, has some sweet encounters with others known, like “Mrs. Roosevelt and Count Basie” and unknown, a boy having a snowball fight whom he helps, who offers his mittens when he sees how cold Oskar is. I won’t give all the blessings away, but Mark Siegel’s illustrations are beautiful portraits of each scene, in muted brown tones with just a few bits of color, showing that evening walk. They enhance the memory of one fine night when Oskar found his blessings. I would hope that America will be as kind today as it was to Oskar so many years ago....more

This is a brilliant book, using only twenty words. With Barbara Lehman’s simple, but detailed illustrations, Alison Paul tells a story, changing one This is a brilliant book, using only twenty words. With Barbara Lehman’s simple, but detailed illustrations, Alison Paul tells a story, changing one letter at a time. It’s a story of a young girl, her dog, and her father, some secrets, some sadness, an adventure and lots of joy. I loved it!...more

From Switzerland comes a picture book with a subtle lesson, one can make your own happiness, bring it everywhere with you. Ravens line a couple of treFrom Switzerland comes a picture book with a subtle lesson, one can make your own happiness, bring it everywhere with you. Ravens line a couple of tree branches, complaining that nothing ever happens, life is just boring. Along comes a colorful paradise bird that shows them how to make their own fun, gives them each a colorful feather and they create a dance unique to them, a ‘Croak-a, Croak-a’. Considering most of the birds (ravens) are black and rather dour, the sight of the happy Paradise Bird just makes you smile. He spreads happiness, and it’s fun to see the ravens’ expressions change as the pages turn. ...more

Fourteen poems by poets you love fill this book as the earlier Amazing Faces did, including love for our country from the Liberty Bell in PhiladelphiaFourteen poems by poets you love fill this book as the earlier Amazing Faces did, including love for our country from the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia to San Francisco’s Chinatown, Boston’s Fenway Park to the Watkins Museum of History (Langston Hughes childhood home-Lawrence, Kansas). Considering the increasing division in beliefs recently and before the next election, I especially liked the poem by Alma Flor Ida, native Cuban, who wrote of her family’s visit to Chinatown. Many people are included in this book, as well as nature’s wonders, trees in the Grand Canyon and the mighty Mississippi. This would be a lovely mentor text when studying different cultures and geography, and writing poetry in reflection of favorite topics. The illustrations by Chris Soentpiet and Christy Hale are full color portraits, vibrant with life in the ‘amazing places’....more

A story with a moral of those who think being the all-powerful one in the forest will bring good to one’s life. When the tiger wishes to be the greateA story with a moral of those who think being the all-powerful one in the forest will bring good to one’s life. When the tiger wishes to be the greatest and questions the king of beasts, the lion, other animals take sides and fight to the finish. No one is left for either to rule. Yoon’s illustrations, bold in oranges and black, including two gatefolds of the raging battle, are filled with action all the way through. One has to look carefully to see animals peeking out from the forest, and it’s delightful to find them....more

In a big city, a little boy, among hundreds of people ignoring it, sees a bird that’s fallen with a broken wing. Nearly wordless, the illustrations b In a big city, a little boy, among hundreds of people ignoring it, sees a bird that’s fallen with a broken wing. Nearly wordless, the illustrations beautifully tell the tale of loving parents helping their boy take the bird home to care for it, and with time and hope, helping it to heal, and fly again. This could be discussed as a metaphor for an act of kindness that can happen anywhere if only we notice when it’s needed....more

I love the mix of collage cut-outs using patterned papers and crayon drawings in this collection of very short stories. A king tries to assert his powI love the mix of collage cut-outs using patterned papers and crayon drawings in this collection of very short stories. A king tries to assert his power over a number of things, like rain, the sea, and a trumpet, but soon realizes that these things, among others, follow their own rules, not the king’s. Full of philosophical wonderings, the king does learn that his power is limited, and that’s okay. When reading the book to students, I wonder what they will take from the stories? The book will be one to read and discuss more than once....more

From New Zealand, Dad took his young boy out on a cold night. He said he wanted to show him the universe. The boy tells about this journey, the magicFrom New Zealand, Dad took his young boy out on a cold night. He said he wanted to show him the universe. The boy tells about this journey, the magic and the surprises, the fact he needed to look up instead of down. Although looking down made him see some beautiful things too. It’s a rather quirky book, the boy so trusting, and the dad so earnest. They looked and talked and chewed gum as the stars shown brightly. The ending is pleasing, a pull away from the serious contemplation of the universe, and funny for the young boy. I think there might be lessons here for both adult and child. Funny is good; it’s good to laugh. Sometimes adults want to be sure their children have special knowledge, and children take that seriously, but also want to laugh....more

This is a fiction story, but based on a beautiful true one. Umande, a newborn lowland gorilla at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, ColoraThis is a fiction story, but based on a beautiful true one. Umande, a newborn lowland gorilla at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, Colorado is born to a young gorilla, and she doesn’t know how to care for this new baby, won’t pick him up or take the steps needed for Umande. The zoo keepers take over and for eight months pretend to be his mother. They feed him, play with him, carry him around, and once in while see if his mother won’t begin to bond with him. She doesn’t. A connection is made with the zoo in Columbus, Ohio and a loving mother, an older gorilla names Lulu. It took a few days, but before long Umande had his mother. The backmatter tells more of the story and the extensive research the author did to tell this story. The pictures allow us to see the story, too, with sweet pictures of Umande and his early life....more